3. Manage business and patient information (eg, images, demographics,
reports) by putting electronic and/or
manual systems in place to ensure its
integrity, confidentiality, and security.

4. Identify opportunities to enhance
involvement in the community by
participating in volunteer activities to
enhance public health awareness and
promote the organization’s presence
in the community.

PACS/RIS Administrator

Over the last decade, filmless imaging and
electronic health records have become
an integral part of the medical imaging
arena. At the center of the filmless imaging
environment is PACS. The move towards
electronic health records brought the
introduction of the radiology information system (RIS). Not only did the introduction of PACS and RIS eliminate the
need for film, film processors, chemicals,
paper medical records, and procedure
schedules; it introduced medical imaging
to the patient care advantages that could
be gained through the use of information
technology and information systems (ie,
teleradiology, electronic health records).
As the film and paper began to disappear,
so did the darkroom techs and file room
techs; these roles have been replaced by
PACS/RIS administrators.

PACS/RIS administrators must pos-sess skill sets that bridge the domains ofa radiologic technologist, informationsystems analyst, and imaging administra-tor. According to experts, the PACS/RISadministrator competencies can be placedinto three categories: behavioral, business,and technical. 4 These categories are simi-lar to those of the imaging administra-tor’s human resources, operations, andcommunication and information man-agement competencies. A strong clinicalknowledge of medical imaging and medi-cal terminology is also an essential jobfunction of the PACS/RIS administrator.Core administrative (business) com-petencies for this role include1:• Relationship management: Success-fully maintain positive working rela-tionships with radiologists, referringphysicians, associates (technical staff),vendors, facility administrators, orga-nizational executives, and communitymembers.

• Team building and teamwork: Effective selection, evaluation, and development of direct reports to maintain
high performing teams.

• Vision: Share a compelling, persuasive,
and optimistic view of the organization’s future and inspire the realization
of bold results.

• Communication skills: Effectively
demonstrate verbal, non-verbal, and
written communication skills with
diverse audiences; convey high levels
of self-confidence, transparency, sensitivity, and authenticity. Ability to
focus communications on the needs
of the listener and the other party’s
point of view.